Why won't my iPad Air respond?

Updates not updating, with no explanation. When tried to send photos
via email, wouldn't respond. Email page gone blank. Says there are 3
updates. Now, even holding the home button does nothing. Please help?

Welcome to iMore! That's a plethora of problems. Due to the number of issues you're having I recommend restoring via iTunes and preferably setting your device up as new. It's a lot of work but it should hopefully alleviate your problems. Here's an article to guide you through the process: http://m.imore.com/restore-iphone-ipad-itunes
Just make sure you have photos, videos, and anything else you don't want to lose backed up prior to restoring.